If you are writing Morning Pages, and then working later on a project, you are already writing more than one idea. While I have found Morning Pages plus a project to be a satisfying amount of writing, I have also occasionally worked on still more. For my purposes, I find that it is the type of writing, more than the amount, which dictates my day’s work. I write Morning Pages, I write three pages of nonfiction, and then, if I still have the itch to write, I turn to fiction. And so it happens that while I wrote The Prosperous Heart, I also wrote a play. I remember this period as being both happy and productive, but I also remember that I myself was impressed by the sheer amount of work I was producing.
The best way to tell how much writing is “too much” is to experiment. Morning Pages? Yes, fine. Nonfiction? Also fine. Fiction? Perhaps a bit of a strain. In order to accomplish all three, I need to double my Artist Dates. Otherwise, my writing will become strained as I overfish my inner reservoir of images. Writing on multiple projects is not impossible, but it does take special care. Without such care, our writing becomes “thin.” It is my experience that multiple writing projects can leave one overtaxed.
It is best to write at several different times of day; Morning Pages in the morning, one project in the early afternoon, then perhaps a nap followed by work in the late afternoon or evening on the “extra” project. We need to be careful not to be greedy; after all, with daily writing, pages mount up swiftly.

9 Comments on "Is it possible to work on more than one project at a time?"

Thank you for the very clear answer to a question that I so often have had. One of the downfalls of writing is never feeling like one is doing quite enough. However, when I am religiously doing morning pages and engaged in a project, I do seem to find my footing more easily. I know when enough is enough. However, when I am unsure of my (as you called them) “marching orders,” that is when I start to feel like I can’t get quite enough done.

I’m on week four and going through all of the changes the course describes almost to a tee. I had about five projects going and a niece that I am trying to mentor in the art sculpture and I find myself completely exhausted. Especially when a big sculpture is not turning out and I don’t see any way of saving it. I know drama is supposed to go on morning pages which by the way are my life source. I’ve never had such he still in quiet conversation with myself and I don’t want to listen to my old loud music anymore. This course is freakishly on point every step of the way and I think God for Julia Cameron‘s teachings.

I thank my daughter, who is my inspiration, to bring me to your page today
After experiencing the loss of my dad my life has been different.
So reading this opens up my mind to think clearly.
Being positive is so important and when one is positive it changes everything